vicariant

adjective

vi·​car·​i·​ant vī-ˈker-ē-ənt How to pronounce vicariant (audio)
və-
: of, relating to, or being the process of vicariance or organisms that evolved through this process
the possible vicariant origin of the Antillean arthropod fauna
vicariant noun

Word History

Etymology

translation of German vikarirend, present participle of vikarieren to act as a substitute, from Vikar representative, proxy, from Middle High German vicar, from Latin vicarius substitute

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vicariant was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near vicariant

Cite this Entry

“Vicariant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vicariant. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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